15 Amazing Things to Do in Avignon, France – Cafes and Getaways
Last updated on October 22nd, 2023
Avignon is an enchanting medieval city in the heart of the Provence region of France. It was one of the most important cities in France in the 14th century due in part to being the seat of the Catholic church. And although Avignon is considered one of Provence’s biggest cities, it is easily walkable.
Many of Avignon’s most important buildings are now UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Cathedral of Natre-Dame de Doms, the Pont D’Avignon, and the Palais des Papes. In addition, you can find some other intriguing historic sites within just an hour’s drive from the city center.
Surrounded by stone ramparts, the lively city has a number of attractions, medieval structures, and impeccable places to eat. There is no shortage of things to do in Avignon, making it the perfect place to stay while in Provence. This guide covers all the top recommendations on what to see and do during your stay.
Avignon is one of the most interesting French cities with a rich history. Although it is not entirely known when the original settlement was first started, there is evidence that the area was first inhabited over 5,000 years ago.
It was, however, not until the Romans came that the city began to prosper. For centuries, the city played a large part in the trade route, with help from the Romans. In addition, its location next to the Rhône was a large part of Avignon’s prosperity.
The city’s role changed, becoming closely tied to the Catholic Church once Pope Clement V relocated to Avignon in 1309. For over 65 years, Avignon remained the home of the papacy, making the city one of the largest and most important of that time.
The popes completely transformed Avignon by adding a large protective wall and constructing expensive residences for cardinals and other influential members of the Church. Many of these important buildings remain intact, with several named UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Today, Avignon is an important historical site and center for the arts, hosting several festivals throughout the year, including the Festival d’Avignon. Not to mention a delightful getaway full of café-lined squares, decadent food, and tranquil green spaces to enjoy.
From wine tours to medieval history, Avignon has something for everyone. Being one of the largest cities in Provence, there are several things to do here. Not to mention, you have easy access to some of Provence’s other charming villages. So whether visiting for the first time or returning to the area, here are some of the best things to do in Avignon.
Stroll Along the Pont D’Avignon
Officially named Pont Saint-Bénézet, the famous bridge once spanned the entire Rhône River. It is a renowned landmark, inspiring an old song called “Sur le Pont d’Avignon,” which young children have been singing since the 1400s.
The bridge was first constructed in 1177 to connect Avignon to Villeneuve-lės-Avignon on the other side of the river. It was the only way to cross the river from Lyon to the Mediterranean, making it an important trading route.
The important 12th-century structure measured just over 900 meters long, with 22 stone arches used to support the weight. After being destroyed by a flood, it was built and rebuilt again before finally being abandoned just over 600 years after its creation.
Unfortunately, due to continual erosion, only part of the bridge remains today, including the small Philippe le Bel tower that sits close to the riverbank.
Unlike most bridges, Pont D’Avignon is not free to visit. However, you can purchase a combined ticket if you plan on visiting the Pope’s Palais, which I will discuss next. Your ticket comes with an audio guide that will take you through the bridge’s long and intriguing history.
You can catch glimpses of the bridge for free from several different viewpoints, the best being the Jardin du Rocher des Doms. Then, take the ferry over to L’Île de la Barthelasse for close-up views, where you can admire it without the summer crowds.
- Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Tickets: €12 for entry to the Pope’s Palace; €17 for access to the Pope’s Palace, gardens, and Avignon Bridge.
- Address: Pl. du Palais, 84000 Avignon, France
One of the top things to do in Avignon is visit the Palais des Papes (or the Pope’s Palace). It was home to nine popes throughout most of the 14th century who spared no expense decorating the interior, ornate frescoes, and luxurious decor.
John XXII was the first pope to call the palace home after he fled Rome in 1309 to escape the turbulent political divide in Rome. His successors, Benedict XII, and Clement VI, were responsible for erecting the palace we have come to admire.
Not only is it stunning, but it is also the largest Gothic palace in the world, measuring over 160,000 square feet. The Palais des Papes is one of Avignon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is essential to the city’s roots.
Leave yourself plenty of time to explore the inside of the residence, including the Pope’s apartments, ceremonial rooms, and outdoor gardens. Since most rooms are empty, you will be given a histopad.
The interactive tablets show you what the interior once looked like in the 14th century. The best part of your visit is the climb up to the palace tower. From here, you get some of the best views of Avignon and the Île de la Barthelasse in the distance.
The old archbishops’ palace has been transformed into a European art gallery showcasing artists from Italy and France. Just steps from the larger Pope’s Palace, the museum is home to an extensive collection of artwork, mainly from the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods.
In the museum’s galleries, you can view the works of well-known Italian painters, such as Botticelli and Giovanni di Paolo. The most famous of all is Bottticelli’s “Virgin and Child.” With over 1000 exquisite paintings, primitives, and sculptures displayed throughout the palace, and for free, Musée du Petit Palais is a must-visit attraction.
Musée Calvet
Avignon has plenty of small art museums you will stumble upon as you explore the city streets. Although the Musée du Petit Palais is the most well-known, it is not the only art museum in Avignon.
One of the best free museums is the Musée Calvet, housed in a former 18th-century residence. The museum has an abundance of paintings and sculptures and an intriguing collection of Egyptian artifacts.
Musée Angladon
Another remarkable collection of art is found in the Musée Angladon. Many items in the collection were once owned by the avid collector Jacques Doucht, who the museum is dedicated to.
In addition to paintings, you will find furnishings owned by Doucet throughout the mansion. You will also find works from some of the greatest painters of all time, including Picasso, Van Gogh, and Cêzanne.
Collection Lambert
Lastly, stop by the Collection Lambert for those who enjoy more contemporary works. The collection is in the city center, within some old townhouses converted into a cozy art museum. The exhibition focuses on works from the 20th century to the present day.
- Hours: Monday to Saturday, 6:30 am – 12:00 pm, 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm; Sunday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm
- Tickets: Free
- Address: Pl. du Palais, 84000 Avignon, France
Once you have visited the Palais des Papes, head next door to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms d’Avignon, also known as Avignon Cathedral. The original church was constructed around 1150 but has undergone massive renovations and additions since.
Due to its continued renovations, you will notice a mixture of Gothic, Baroauq, and Roman architectural styles throughout the church.
One of the original pieces inside the cathedral is the marble throne that the popes used, which has been in place for over 900 years. Another iconic symbol is the large golden statue of the Virgin Mary that sits on top of the cathedral’s bell tower.
Have Lunch at Avignon Town Squares
Avignon is full of several open squares, with Place d’Horloge being the main and busiest. You will also find some important buildings such as the city hall.
The square stays busy with families enjoying an outdoor meal or a refreshing aperitif with views of Avignons’ Opera House. Many of the city’s special events take palace here, including plays and festivals throughout the year. So no matter what time of year you visit, make sure to stop by!
Another popular place to relax is Place Pie, located next to Les Halles Market. The square is another lively place to relax and people-watch, and perfect for those looking to shop for some goodies at the market. You will also want to head to Place des Corps. The shady square offers an assortment of top-rated restaurants.
One of the prettiest streets in Avignon is the Rue des Teinturiers, or Street of the Dyers. It was once an essential part of the city’s textile industry which was housed here between the 14th and 19th centuries.
Although it is no longer used for that purpose and most of the mills have been destroyed, you can still glimpse a bit of the history of the street from the remaining four water wheels.
Rue des Teinturiers is a vibrant tree-lined avenue full of beautiful old homes, shops, and terraced cafes. Follow the cobblestone path along the Sorgue River, starting from the Rue de Lices, spotting the local boutique, and grabbing a refreshing drink along the way.
Keep a look out for the gothic-style Maison du IV de Chiffre on Rye Guillaume Puy. It is one of the oldest remaining homes in Avignon, built-in 1493. The streets are also full of incredible churches like the Couvent des Cordeliers, once one of Avignon’s largest and most influential churches.
One of my favorite things in France is visiting the local markets, especially in Provence. The region is famous for its local cuisine with specialty dishes such as bouillabaisse and ratatouille.
There is no shortage of highly coveted restaurants in the city to try the local cuisine; however, visiting a local market is another fun way to experience the area’s flavors.
Les Halles is an extensive covered market in Avignon with over 40 stalls selling fresh produce and homemade items. You can find all the best local ingredients here, including meat, fish, olives, and herbs sourced from the surrounding area.
The market is open Tuesday through Sunday from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm, but Saturdays are the best days to visit. Local chefs come to Les Halles each Saturday for cooking demonstrations and tastings from 11:00 to noon.
It is the perfect place to pick up some cheese and wine for a leisurely picnic, stock up on Provençal delicacies, or grab a quick bite from a local vendor. You can also find sit-down restaurants inside if you prefer to eat there.
Little tables are available to sit at, or prop yourself at a bar for a coffee before continuing to explore the stalls. Whatever you choose, you will likely not leave empty-handed.
Some of the best things to do in a new city is to get lost! Avignon is no excpetion. The historic city has hidden alleyways, outdoor cafes, and little shops. You can either explore alone or join a group tour of the historic center.
La Mirande is a renowned Michelin-star restaurant for making some of the best Provencal dishes. They offer both pasty and cooking classes taught by some of the best chefs in the industry.
Your cooking class starts with a tour of famous shops and Les Halles market, where you will pick up the produce for the day’s menu. Then, you will learn how to cook a 3-course meal that you will enjoy in the exquisite restaurant. Pastry classes are also offered and are available for children.
Join a walking tour to learn more about Avignon’s history with a knowledgeable guide’s help. The Avignon City Walking Tour includes entry to the Palais des Papes and stops at some of the city’s most iconic monuments. After an afternoon on your feet, enjoy a refreshing glass of wine from a local vineyard.
Rather experience the city with a private tour? Spend a few hours discovering Avignon’s important attractions in a more intimate setting with a Half-Day Private Tour.
Close by the Palais de Papes is the picturesque park space with lush English-style gardens, including a small vineyard sitting on a rock overlooking the city. The park has been a popular place for locals for centuries due to its vantage point and ample open space in the town.
With miles of greenery, ponds, and footpaths, you will find it busy with visitors and locals alike relaxing in the sunshine and taking in the views of the area’s most famous landmarks.
And if you get hungry, the garden is a cafe offering both sit-down and takeaway options. The extensive menu offers anything from coffee and ice cream to salads and traditional French desserts.
There are several ways to get to Rocher des Doms by foot, one of the easiest being from the Place du Palais des Papes. You can also climb the Sainte Anne staircase to the top, located behind the Palais des Papes.
However, if you’d rather have a more scenic ascent to the top, board the little train that will take you on a short tour of the city and up to the gardens.
If you don’t have much time or would like a romantic excursion, take the ferry to L’Île de la Barthelasse. The islands sit between two joining branches of the river and offer idyllic views of the Pont d’Avignon bridge. It is Europe’s largest river island, with over 700 hectares of countryside and cycling trails.
Ferries leave from Pont d’Avignon every 5 minutes and will get you there just as quickly, making it the perfect “day trip” from Avignon. You can also access the island on foot or in your car via the Daladier Bridge.
Once there, you can choose to relax or do some exploring. One of the best things to do on the island is rent a bike for the afternoon and explore the wildlife. L’Île de la Barthelasse has a wide variety of species that thrive there, including badgers, grey herons, and ducks.
If you get hungry, grab lunch at Le Bercail, with views of the Pont d’Avignon, or make your way to the island’s farm for some fresh produce. Better yet, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a peaceful afternoon on the riverbanks.
In addition to the number of things to do in Avignon, the city is also within reach of some other lovely destinations. Many of these you can reach by train or car within an hour or visit as part of a day tour.
For history lovers, the town of Nîmes should be on your list. It is full of old Roman ruins and impeccable monuments. Close by the city is the famous Pont du Gard, a technologically advanced aqueduct the Romans built to supply the towns with water until the 6th century.
You can continue your day tour with a visit to Arles. It is smaller and a little more laidback than Nîmes but has ties with Vincent Van Gogh. The artist lived in Arles briefly and took inspiration from the lovely landscape to paint numerous works of art.
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, one of France’s largest antique markets, is on the other side of Avignon. The main market day is Sunday when the entire village is brimming with merchants selling anything from lavender and soups to jewelry and antiques.
During the summer, there is no nicer way to spend the day than exploring Provence’s lavender fields. June and July are the best months to see them before they are cut down in August. Valensole is where the prettiest of the lavender fields are located, but the Luberon is another great place for some photo opportunities.
The Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque is one of the best places to see the lavender fields, about a 50-minute drive from Avignon. The abbey itself is also worth a visit to purchase some lavender products.
Paris to Avignon: If you are traveling from Paris, you can get to Avignon by fast train in about 3 hours. The TGV from either Charles de Gaulle or the Gare de Lyon station in central Paris will take you straight to Avignon’s station, just outside the city. The TCV trains run frequently and operate all day long, making this the most convenient way to travel if you do not have a car.
The Avignon TGV station is located a few miles outside the city and will require additional transportation to get you there. However, you can jump on a second train to Avignon Center, which will take you the rest of the way in five minutes. Alternatively, you can pay for a taxi to your hotel.
Marseille to Avignon: Marseille has an International airport for those looking to explore the south of France region. There are more flights available into Marseille than Avignon. It is also convenient since it is a popular stopping point on people’s Provence road trip itineraries.
Once in Marseille, you can rent a car, hire a private transfer to Avignon, or take the TGV train. Of the three options, the train will be the cheapest but will take about an hour and a half to get you to Avignon.
Lyon to Avignon: Lyon is another nearby town with an international airport. Like Marseille, you can fly into the city, rent a car, schedule a private transfer, or hop on a train. The train ride from Lyon to Avignon is slightly shorter, taking about an hour, and can be accessed straight from the Lyon Saint-Exupéry airport.
Fly into Avignon
Although Avignon has a small airport, most people usually fly into Marseille instead as more flights are available, especially those traveling from outside Europe. Avignon’s airport is located 10 km from town and will require an additional taxi to get you to the city. Some buses run between the airport and the city. However, they tend to be infrequent.
The lovely 5-start hotel sits proudly in the city center, with famous Palais des Papes views. The exquisitely decorated rooms are uniquely decorated with 18th-century pieces and vintage furnishing found in noble homes during that time. Everything from the fabric wallpaper to the garden’s foot trees has been perfectly thought out to give guests the most intimate and sophisticated experience possible.
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Château de Varenne
The lovely hotel is located near the small of Sauveterre, a short drive from Avignon. With 12 beautifully decorated rooms, a terrace, an outdoor pool, and lush gardens, Château de Varenne is the perfect tranquil retreat from the fast past city.
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Les Jardins de Baracane
The stunning B&B is perfectly located in the center of Avignon. However, you feel like you are in the countryside. The 17th-century house has a spectacular private garden, an outdoor pool, and warm, inviting rooms. Each of the five suites is uniquely decorated and offers stunning garden views.
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Hotel De L’Atelier
The 16th-century house is located just outside of Avignon. With cozy rooms, terraces, and traditional furnishings, Hotel De L’Atelier is a magical hotel that offers everything you could possibly need for an amazing price.
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When should you visit Avignon?
You can visit Avignon all year round. However, the main tourist season is between March and October. If you want to see the famous Provence lavender fields, the best time to visit is June through July, when they’re in full bloom.
Since the city’s beloved Festival d’Avignon takes place throughout July, you may want to avoid this month as accommodations with be at their highest, and the city will be packed with visitors.
If you want to experience Avignon with fewer crowds, then the shoulder months of April, May, and early October would be great times to visit.
How many days do you need in Avignon?
Since most of Avignon’s sites are within the city center, you can spend one day there and see several sites. However, since Avignon is situated in the century of other popular Provence towns, I would recommend staying longer and using it as a base for exploring the area.
If you plan on joining some tours or exploring nearby cities such as Nimes and Gordes, I recommend staying between 2-4 days, depending on how much you’d like to see.
Is Avignon worth visiting?
Yes! Whether you are a history and art lover or not, Avignon is one of the best places to visit in the Provence region and should be part of your road trip. It has a rich history, an influential art scene, and some of the most delicious food and wine.
Should I stay in Avignon or Aix en Provence?
It really depends on what you are looking for. Avignon is an old city full of art, food, and historic architecture. Aix-en-Provence is also beautiful, with more upscale shopping, hotels, and restaurants. Avignon is closer to the towns of Nimes and Arles, while Aix-en-Provence is closer to Marseille and Cassis.
It all depends on your interests and overall itinerary, but both are spectacular cities that I encourage you to visit if you have the chance.
Do you need a car in Avignon?
You can get around on foot if you stay inside the fortification, where most attractions are located. And, if you get tired, a small train will take you around the city center for a few euros.
However, if you plan on visiting vineyards or other towns nearby, you may need a car if you prefer exploring on your own rather than as part of a tour. Avignon also has two train stations that can get you to other cities if you’d rather not drive.